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Singapore has undergone a huge transformation for the last few years. Well, Singapore (at least to me) is a tropical metropolis that visitor would probably see pretty much everything in a visit or two. Therefore, this time, I simply spent a day or two just around the Marina bay area – staying in the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands and decompress for a fun weekend.

1. Garden of the Bay

What I love about the Garden of the Bay was the easy access. It’s closely connected and in walkable distance to the Bayfront MRT Station and my hotel, the Marina Bay Sands. More, it’s not a typical botanical Garden, it’s has a theme and it is a trendy place with exciting design elements that make the garden lively and multi-dimensional.

2. The Supertree Grove

Called the OCBC Skyway (named after the sponsor) is a group of solar powered light posts that dressed like a tree. Loop up in awe at dramatic plant displays, and the Skyway is a 22-metre high bridge connecting the trees, offering a bird’s eye view of the garden. When night falls, the Supertrees were quite super – they come to life with a spectacular light and sound show, powered by the solar power saved up during day time. Very very Avatar, and very very green.

3. Flower Dome

The Flower Dome did surprise me in a certain way. Apart from flower arrangements, it has a well-organized succulent collection that was quite special and new to me. Wandering amongst thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobabs of the cool-dry Mediterranean and subtropical regions, you look into the world from a different perspective.

4. Cloud Forest

When we enter the Cloud Forest it was just in time for misting!! The tower was spraying mist all of the sudden and I felt like I was walking through a mysterious fairyland. Visitors could explore the highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants, and ferns from the cool-moist Tropical Mountain region.

5. ArtScience Museum

It’s called ArtScience Museum because the museum itself includes both. It is a lotus shape building right on the bank of the inside of the Marina bay and the structure itself is a very stylish and modern science achievement.

6. Infinity pool and Sky deck

The pool is only limited to the hotel guest – which is thankful for me. Actually it’s busy enough with just the hotel guests, but don’t worry, they have plenty of chairs. The view has it’s beauty day or night. I can’t really choose, except it’s raining. The upper part of the sky deck is exclusive to hotel guests, too. I was surprised to see quite a lot of visitors from Japan and Korea stayed at the hotel during my stay.

7. Fountain show

The only thing that I would “consider” seeing again would be the fountain show at the waterfront, with the Singapore’s skyline as a background. If only you were at Marina Bay Sands – you could consider. There are two shows every night, and three for the weekends.

I am a huge fan of the Gardens by the Bay. I actually visited them twice, on two different trips to Singapore. I have a personal fascination with them as I have an interest in hydroponic greenhouses, and the systems involved in their operation. From that standpoint, the GBTB can't be beat - what a challenge to recreate a mediterranean dry climate in hot and humid Singapore! Well, part of their operation uses the Supertrees - they're not just for solar panels and the interesting views.... they're also exhaust chimneys for the system that removes humidity from the air in the Flower Dome! And the lakes aren't just habitats for many different birds, fish and insects - they're also coolant for the dehumidification system, and aid in watering the indoor gardens.

Singapore has many green features, not only in the Gardens... the government sponsors buildings to plant green rooftops (along with other parts of buildings!) One of my favorite buildings is across the street from the Hong Lim Market - it's a relatively new (finished a couple years ago) black and grey building, that has plants on the roof and sprouting all around....

Ann we are in Singapore now, day two and saw the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome yesterday. They were amazing and Singapore is very impressive. We are loving it. I highly recommend it as a stop over. We have 5 days before our cruise BTW.
Cheers, a slightly jet lagged Larry. .

Warm Tuesday morning greetings from our fine home of Singapore -- and many thanks for the thoughtful opening post. Our sweet city-state of SIN can have her moments.

And to jacketwatch (Larry), glad you enjoyed your time in Singapore. Perhaps you were able to take in some of our Singapore Airshow festivities these past several days. Will be flying out of Changi later today for work related flight to Hong Kong.

Thanks again for the opening post and other comments / impressions. Any future SIN suggestions, honoured to assist. Good day to you from Singapore,